They Didn't Teach Me How To Be Loved Painting

Technique: Charcoal and Acrylic on Canvas "They Didn't Teach Me How to Be Loved" by Ritchelly Oliveira is a poignant depiction that explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the absence of guidance. Against a backdrop of pristine white, a black man stands at the center of the canvas, his arms wrapped around a stork and a dove. The man's embrace of the stork and dove symbolizes a longing for love and connection, as well as an acknowledgment of vulnerability. The stork, often associated with birth and new beginnings, may represent the desire for nurturing and guidance. Meanwhile, the dove, a universal symbol of peace and love, reflects the yearning for emotional connection and understanding. Two doves hover in front of the man's face. This imagery suggests a sense of introspection and inner turmoil, as the man grapples with his own insecurities and uncertainties about love and acceptance. For Oliveira, birds represent fragilities, as they are unable to land and rest due to their lack of paws. This symbolism underscores the transient and delicate nature of human emotions, highlighting the constant struggle to find stability and security in a world filled with uncertainties. "They Didn't Teach Me How to Be Loved" invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of love and vulnerability, as well as the longing for acceptance and guidance in navigating the intricacies of human relationships.